Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar to discharge the functions of Governor of Tamil Nadu
Shri Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar presently the Governor of Kerala to discharge the functions of Governor of Tamil Nadu.
Who is Shri Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar – Hon’ble Governor of Kerala
Shri Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar was sworn in as the 23rd Governor of Kerala on January 2, 2025, marking another important milestone in his long and distinguished career in public service and constitutional governance. Known for his commitment to democratic values, administrative reforms, and grassroots engagement, Shri Arlekar has held several significant positions in legislative and constitutional offices across India.
Born on April 23, 1954, in Panaji, the capital city of Goa, Shri Arlekar is the son of Late Shri Vishwanath Arlekar and Late Smt. Tilomattama Arlekar. He spent his early years in Goa, where he received his foundational education and developed an early interest in public life and social service.
He completed his matriculation from St. Joseph’s Institute, located in Vasco da Gama. Later, he pursued higher education at MES College, graduating with a degree in Commerce. During his formative years, Shri Arlekar developed a strong inclination toward community service and nation-building.
His early exposure to public service was shaped by his association with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) during childhood. This engagement nurtured his sense of discipline, social responsibility, and dedication to national development. In 1989, he formally joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and gradually emerged as an active and influential leader within the party organization in Goa.
Shri Arlekar’s commitment to democratic principles was strongly demonstrated during the The Emergency in India, when civil liberties across the country were curtailed. During this period, he, along with his father, was imprisoned for defending democratic values, an experience that left a lasting impact on his political and ideological journey.
His leadership capabilities were recognized within the BJP organization when he served as the State President of the BJP in Goa from 2003 to 2007. During this tenure, he played a key role in strengthening the party’s grassroots presence and expanding its organizational structure across the state.
Shri Arlekar entered legislative politics when he was elected as a Member of the Goa Legislative Assembly, serving from 2002 to 2007. As an MLA, he earned respect for his principled approach to governance and his advocacy for social development, environmental protection, and sustainable policy initiatives within the state.
He later served as the Minister for Forest & Environment and Panchayati Raj in the Government of Goa, where he worked toward strengthening environmental management and empowering local self-governance institutions. His tenure reflected a balanced approach between development and environmental conservation.
One of the most notable chapters of his legislative career came when he served as the Speaker of the Goa Legislative Assembly from 2012 to 2017. During this period, Shri Arlekar introduced several institutional reforms aimed at modernizing legislative functioning. Under his leadership, the Goa Legislative Assembly became the first paperless state assembly in India, a landmark initiative that demonstrated his vision for technology-driven governance and administrative efficiency. This reform was widely appreciated across the country as a model for modern legislative practices.
In July 2021, Shri Arlekar was appointed as the 21st Governor of Himachal Pradesh, where he served until 2023. His tenure in Himachal Pradesh was marked by his focus on strengthening the relationship between the Raj Bhavan, educational institutions, and civil society organizations.
Subsequently, in February 2023, he assumed office as the 30th Governor of Bihar, continuing his journey in constitutional leadership. As Governor, he emphasized the importance of education, institutional integrity, and collaborative governance.
On January 2, 2025, Shri Arlekar took oath as the 23rd Governor of Kerala, bringing with him decades of legislative, administrative, and constitutional experience. His tenure is expected to further strengthen the constitutional framework and promote inclusive development in the state.
On the personal front, Shri Arlekar is married to Smt. Anagha Arlekar. The couple has two children: Smt. Aditi Kulkarni and Shri Amogh Arlekar. Despite his extensive public responsibilities, he has always maintained strong family values and remains deeply connected to his roots.
With a career spanning grassroots activism, legislative leadership, ministerial responsibilities, and gubernatorial roles across multiple states, Shri Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar continues to be recognized as a committed public servant dedicated to democratic ideals, institutional reforms, and national development.
Indian Bureaucracy News wishes Shri Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar the very best.